Transformer Bases-Supplemental FHWA-Eligible

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Purchases, on behalf of the Division of Traffic Operations, has issued a Request for Bid (RFB) for 100 transformer bases supplemental to an existing lighting pole contract. The transformer bases must conform to AASHTO Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals (sixth edition), with specific dimensions of 17 inches in height by 15 by 15 inches square at the bottom and 12 by 12 inches square at the top. Each unit must feature a trapezoidal aluminum or stainless-steel door with a theft deterrent device equivalent to a LockDown LightPole lock door assembly or Spanner Snake Eyes Security Bolt, along with specific hardware, grounding provisions, arc flash warning stickers, and laminated hardware pictures packaged within each unit. Bids are due electronically through the Kentucky Vendor Self Service portal by June 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with a public bid reading scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on the same date. Award will be determined using a best value approach allocating 95 points to price (with the lowest bidder receiving maximum points) and 5 points to delivery time (vendors bidding delivery times greater than 120 calendar days will be rejected as non-responsive). The tentative award date is June 26, 2025, and the resulting master agreement shall commence upon award and expire June 30, 2026, with options to extend for four additional one-year periods subject to written approval and potential renegotiation of terms.

This procurement is funded by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grants and requires full compliance with Buy America provisions under 23 U.S.C. 313 and the Build America, Buy America Act, mandating that all steel, iron, and construction materials be domestically produced, with contractors required to certify such compliance. The vendor currently holding the existing Lighting Pole contract is explicitly excluded from bidding on this supplemental agreement. Pricing must be submitted on an F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed basis, with the vendor responsible for all freight charges and associated claims. Late delivery penalties of one percent per day will apply for any delays beyond the contracted delivery date, except for delays caused by factors outside the vendor's control. All bids must remain valid for a minimum of 90 calendar days following the bid closing date. No specific budget range or award value is stated in the solicitation materials; however, the procurement's scale suggests a significant contract value given the 100-unit order quantity and FHWA funding source.